Home sweet home! But are homes sweet with dusty furnace filters? You need to change them to keep your furnace in order. You don’t want to pay the extra bill, do you?
Oh, how to change it? Isn’t that the reason you are here? Here you go. Find out the best way to replace furnace filters efficiently with us.
Table of Contents
How to Change Furnace Filters or Simply Replace
Whatever filter you use, replacing or reinstalling is always a headache. And the task is almost the same. Here’s the way to deal with that “ache”.
Shut the Furnace Off
The first task first. Shut the furnace completely off. In order to do that you may go through some steps. These are better for the furnace itself.
Lower the Temperature: Keep the thermostat to its lowest point. This helps the furnace to cool up more steadily.
Wait Until the End: Gradual cooling will lead to the end of the heating cycle. Wait until the current cycle finds an end.
Switch it Off: It’s time to put the furnace totally off. Flip the power switch of the furnace to off.
Cut the Supply: A furnace having pilot light may need some additional steps. Grab the shut-off valve of it and turn it. Turn it in the direction for which it cuts off the fuel supply.
Open Up the Access Panel
Furnace filters hold their positions into the access panel. Open it up. Probably you will find some components of the furnace including motor and blower fan. Well, this varies.
Locate the Dusty Filter
Check the position and alignment of the worn out filter. Typically you’ll find it on either of the sides positioned vertically. Take hold to it and drag it out.
Remember the slot the filter was on. ‘Cuz the new one will find the same destination.
Check the Air Flow Direction
Look out for the arrows on the lateral surface of the filter on your hand. The arrows actually show you the direction of air flow through it.
Put the Filter In
Now it’s the turn of the new furnace filter to get into work! Have a look at the furnace system and put the filter.
Some Extras
It’s so simple and done. A bonus tip for you- It is actually the best opportunity for you to clean out the vents. They too clog dust. Then back up the access panel. Turn on the furnace.
How often it is Needed to Change the Furnace Filter
The health of your family, as well as your furnace, depends a lot on the frequency at which you change the filter. But for that, you need to know the typical rate.
Well, it depends on a number of parameters- the type of filter you use, the number of pets you possess, do you smoke inside or not, do any member of your family has allergies.
Typically, disposable fiberglass filters last for about a month. Pleated ones generally come up with a 3 months warranty. Hence, it lasts for 90 days. Electrostatic filters are for your whole life, typically.
Permanent filters are so because they are to be washed. But washed at what interval? 90 days is a good recommendation. But watch out! Pets and smoke sources are the villains. If you have so, one or two earlier checks are strongly recommended.
Conclusion
Dirty furnace filters are ought to be changed. The dirtier they are, the worse the heating of furnace gets. Get them changed at a regular interval as prescribed. Happy sweet home!